Tuesday, March 31, 2009

CLEVELANDER OF THE MONTH: APRIL



ITS THAT TIME OF THE MONTH AGAIN....DOLLHOUSE PRESENTS TO YOU OUR APRIL CLEVELANDER, MS. ROBIN MONIQUE, OF POLISHED CLEVELAND!

Who and/or what inspired you to start Polished Cleveland? Give us some background info on Polished Cleveland and who Robin Monique really is.

Polished Cleveland Magazine was inspired by my personal experience as a recent college graduate learning to live in Cleveland as an adult. I initially bought into the perception that Cleveland did not have a strong young professional culture. My partner Christine Taylor and I spent a good six months reacquainting ourselves with Cleveland and learned that the city has a lot to offer any young professionals who want to be socially and civically engaged in the city. We wanted to provide a resource for our peers to help them create a productive and fulfilling life here and Polished Cleveland was born.
Helping 20somethings lay the foundation for adult life is a cause that’s very close to my heart. Prior to starting Polished, I went through a very difficult spell of depression which was spurred by “quarterlife crisis” issues. I had the degree, the apartment and the “good job,” but I wasn’t fulfilled because I had put together the life I was “supposed” to want rather than the life that would best fit Robin. So Polished is part of my overall mission to reach out to people like me who are just trying to get a handle on this grown up thing.

Has writing always been a preferred career choice for you?

I’ve been writing since I was nine years old! I’ve had jobs in higher education since graduating college, but no matter what I do from 9-5, I’m a writer first.

What would you say about your online magazine that makes it unique from other sites?

What makes Polished different from other sites is that we cater to the total person. We are going to tell you where to party, but we’re also going to tell you where to sign up for community service, where to see a good art exhibition, how to manage your finances and how politics affect your life. We want to help our readers become as well-rounded as possible.

What are your favorite 3 magazines (print or online) to read?

My all-time favorite print magazine is/was Honey Magazine. I hate that it’s out of print, because it spoke to hip, intelligent, sexy young women in a way that no other magazine has since. I also like Vibe and Giant Magazines.

Outside of Polished Cleveland, what else can we find on your plate of things to do?

I have my personal blog, The Life & Times of Robin Monique which features editorials on hip-hop, politics, relationships, pop culture, and my personal observations on life. I also blog for a site called Ladies Run the City, where I discuss my experiences overcoming major depressive disorder. I write fiction short stories and am developing ideas for a fiction novel, as well as working on my memoirs. I was recently added to the blog network at The Fresh Xpress, so my work will be featured there soon as well.

Who is your favorite writer of all time and why?

My favorite writer is Joan Morgan. She wrote one book, “When Chickenheads Come Home to Roost: My Life as a Hip-Hop Feminist” that blew me away because it showed me that there were intellectual women who loved hip-hop as much as I did. Morgan’s writing style was sassy, educated and wise and it definitely inspired me as an aspiring writer.

What advice would you give to young aspiring/ existing entrepreneurs?

I really encourage people find their business style and be true to it. As popular as the concept of a “hustler” may be, everyone is not a hustler and you don’t have to be in order to run a successful business. It’s better to build your business in a way that allows you to be you, than to imitate someone else’s model because it worked for them.

What resources did you use to help launch Polished Cleveland, leading to its success?

The most important resource in launching Polished Cleveland has been my network. I have been blessed to meet so many focused, positive people and their support and advice has contributed greatly to our success thus far at Polished. The internet helped me tremendously because I have come across so many like-minded individuals via social networking who have come on as writers (shout out to Dollhouse’s own Monisa Mason and Charron Hunter!). On top of that, I have the most awesome business partner in the world in Christine Taylor. We’ve been a team since our communications classes at Wilberforce University and our creative chemistry is off the chain.

If you had to use one sentence to convince a reader to check out Polished Cleveland, what would it be?

Polished Cleveland Magazine is the voice Cleveland’s new generation of movers and shakers, appealing to this audience’s youthful energy and maturing tastes.

Finish the following sentence: “When I write, I……….”

When I write, I speak my truth in hopes that my words encourage my readers to find and live their truth

WELL THERE YOU HAVE IT LADIES AND GENTS....ANOTHER CLEVELAND MOVER AND SHAKER THAT DOLLHOUSE IS GIVING A MAJOR KUDOS TO! CHECK MS. ROBIN MONIQUE AT WWW.POLISHEDCLEVELAND.COM. REMEMBER THAT YOU TOO CAN BE A LOCAL MOVER AND SHAKER. THE EQUATION IS A DREAM + SOME GOALS + A PLAN + ALOT OF ACTION=SUCCESS!

BY MONISA

Friday, March 27, 2009

THANK YOU!!!

DOLLHOUSE WOULD LIKE TO SEND A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME OUT TO BODEGA LAST NIGHT! IT WAS A GREAT NIGHT AND WE ENJOYED GETTING TO KNOW EACH AND EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU....HOPE TO SEE YOU NEXT TIME! PICS COMING SOON!!!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Dear McDonald's....STOP HATING

I am one of the lucky ones fortunate enough to have a 24-hour McDonald's around the corner from my house. If I ever find myself coming home between the hours of 2am and 6am, and I'm starving...I'm covered. However, every. single. time. I go through the drive thru there is some new ridiculous rule like; "Ma'am you can only order large sizes after 10pm," or "Ma'am there is no dollar menu at this hour." WTF!!! Anyway, I'm glad this doesn't just happen to little people like me....watch Skateboard P go out of his way to have it his way....

P.S. This would NEVER happen at McDowell's



P.P.S. See you tonite @ 8 @ Bodega!!!


by Ciara

See You Tonite!!!


BEST KEPT SECRET @ BODEGA: NETWORKING AT ITS BEST!
TONITE @ 8PM

BODEGA
1854 COVENTRY RD
CLEVELAND HTS, OHIO

Come join Dollhouse and the Cleveland Area Black Professionals for a night of mingling, networking, wining, dining and relaxation after a long day of work. Taking networking to another level, Dollhouse wants YOU to just come out and have a good time while meeting with old AND new faces.....So come find out who Dollhouse is and why WE WANT YOU to come and NETWORK!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Networking 101

As many of you may know Dollhouse is holding our first ever social networking event this Thursday at Bodega at 8pm. This opportunity is a relaxed one because you are sure to be among friends, but what happens when you walk in a room and the only person you know happens to know everybody. Sure many of us enjoy meeting new people, but networking often puts a person on the spot. Suddenly you are talking to someone who has no idea who you are and you have mere minutes to convince them why they should care. Here I will offer some of my personal tips for networking, many of which I have yet to practice, but sound good on paper, nonetheless:

1. Network with a purpose. Why is it important for you to meet new people? Are you looking to enter a field but you've been having trouble getting in the door? Are you looking to collaborate on a project? Be nice to everyone but, pay attention to those you meet that may have something to offer.

2. Be choosy. Don't just bombard people with your business card. Most of them don't want it anyway. Just like dating, see if you have a connection with that person. If you feel like you do, pass them your card. ( I mean, you wouldn't just give your number out to everyone who asked you for it, and you definitely don't want everyone's number either.) There's always a possibility they will think of you later or know someone who could benefit from contacting you. Don't have a business card? That's cool, a lot of people don't. I'm sure you have a cell number or email you can pass along.

3. Relax. Most of the time I go to these networking things I get really nervous. By nature I'm pretty quiet when I first meet a person and I think it's painfully obvious when I'm reaching. There's a lot of pressure being placed in a room full of complete strangers, but what's the point of going if you're not going to talk? I try to remind myself that no matter who the person is, they are merely another person and probably do the same dumb stuff I do in my free time.

4. Follow Through. Ever meet someone who has a really good connect for you, but insists that you must get in touch with them asap. Later you think about calling, but you just don't. No good reason. Stop doing that. As long as it's something that's legit, always follow up with people. They were interested enough to keep talking to you and put you on to something, so why not take them up on the offer.

5. K.I.T. That's keep in touch, for those of you who never got your yearbook signed. It might seem like your being annoying, but sending someone you met an email or something a while after you met them is really a nice gesture. It says "hey, I really enjoyed talking with you and I wasn't just wasting your time." It will also remind them you exist and give them more of a reason to stay in touch, too.

6. Don't be annoying. I don't if it's just me, but I've become a bit disenchanted with those who immediately start barking to me about all the things they do and why they're so important. Then they ask me what do I do as if it defines me. Just calm down and open with something else. Most importantly, give someone an opportunity to ask you a damn question!!!

7. Go to Bodega Thursday, March 26th at 8pm.


by Ciara

Keri Hilson Brings It...."In A Perfect World"


Taking shots at Beyonce and Ciara in the "Turning Me On" Remix, showing face frequently on 106 & Park and premiering her new video, "Knock You Down" feat. Ne-Yo and Kanye West on BET's Access Granted, Keri Hilson is definitely pushing her way thru the industry, showing that she is more than just a songwriter, but an artist, an entertainer and an unstoppable force to be wreckoned with. Making it known that credit needs to be given where due, Hilson is giving the industry a new breath of fresh air. Spunky, classy, real and down to earth, Miss Hilson definitely brings fire to "In A Perfect World." Showing the diversity in her vocals, style and perspectives on everyday situations, Hilson may just be what the game has been missing! Is she giving Beyonce a run for her money? Will Ciara bring it extra hard in her album, which is coming soon? Tell Dollhouse what you think....Go grab "In A Perfect World" and let the Dolls know if YOU think that Keri is bringing it......Personally, I believe Ciara might have competition. ATL is definitely holding it down! Good Look Hilson! You have my stamp of approval!

Monday, March 23, 2009

Friday, March 20, 2009

Happy Birthday Monisa!!!

...And now Dollhouse would like wish our very own Monisa Mason a very Happy Birthday! Come see Dollhouse and friends all over Cleveland this weekend!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARRON!!!

Dollhouse would like to wish our very own Charron Hunter a very Happy Birthday!!! Now let's all blow up her Facebook page!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

"Just as scraps of cloth come together to form a new, strong, useful product,
so, too, can black women come together to forge a similar strong and useful
bond."
~ The Color Purple by Alice Walker, Cliffs Notes Version

Dolls everywhere, of any size, shape, color, creed...listen to me-we could all do so much better if we just stuck together. All too often it happens when you're out and about and you pass another female, and suddenly a mild exchange takes place. Glares are given, eyes are rolled, whispers are...well, whispered. And for what? Because you had nice shoes on? Because your dress looks good on you? It's all very unnecessary. Why should a female spontaneously dislike another female all because she entered a room? I've always been of the mind that when I see another girl who is confident, nicely dressed, well spoken, I want to be that girl's friend! Sadly, however, very few ladies think in this way and sisterhood gets lost among us. For this reason I am urging a call to action. If we could all bond together in real life as we do when a Beyonce song comes on in the club, this world would be a much better (and much fiercer) place.

The next time a girl bumps the hell out of you in a club, don't get mad-bump her right back. That was probably just her way of saying "Hello, friend," and it's only right for you to say "hi" back.

The next time you find out your dude has been receiving text messages and phone calls from some chick, call her up yourself. He probably just forgot to tell his new friend about you and, hey, if she's cool enough for him to want to text and call, you're possibly missing out on one hell of a girl. Why not make a brunch date for the three of you and see how it goes.

The next time a group of girls appear to be staring and whispering about you, go on and give them something good to look at. Strike a pose, smile, wink, dance-do something! They're obviously staring at you because they want to be entertained. Show them they're looking at the right doll!

The next time you go out and someone has your outfit on, immediately corner her and let her know she has great taste. Take a ton of pictures together if you both look great. If she looks better in it, go home and change. If you look better in it ask her to leave. Either way you two stylish ladies have got to work together!

The point of my post is...there is a strong need for unity among us dolls. Seriously, we have to support each other instead of breaking each other down. Not to sound too preachy, but just take a look at some of our institutions that have stood the test of time due to dolls coming together in unity-private schools, sororities, social organizations, salt-n-pepa...the list goes on. If it weren't for young black women setting aside differences, envy and hate, none of these would exist. Even more severe, there would be no Dollhouse! So dolls, the next time you're getting ready to slash all four of that man's tires for cheating on you, think beforehand just how much faster and efficient it would be if you had the other woman's help.


by Ciara

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

WHICH SIDE OF THE BRAIN ARE YOU?


So, if you are one of the cool kids on the block, then you went out and bought the new Dream "Love vs. Money".......This album is definitely a go getter but may not top his first album. With a mixture of hot tracks and banger collabs, "Love vs. Money" will definitely stay in heavy rotation in my car....atleast until Keri Hilson comes out on March 24th (if its hot)....But anyways, one of my favorite tracks on the Dream's album just may be "Right Side of My Brain" and Im pretty sure that MANY of us can relate to these lyrics, because when we are in "love" or "lust" we dont tend to think straight......Ladies, you feel me? So with that being said, I did some more research on the different sides of the brain, and I found that I am right sided....Do you know what side you are? Check out some of the facts and take the quiz found below to see if you think with "tha right side of ya brain" Enjoy!


The left side of the brain is often thought of as the logical, thinking side. Here is a list of some things that Left Brainers may prefer:

Prefer Classical Music
Prefer things like instructions to be done verbally
Good at math
Like to read
Dog lovers
Don't enjoy clowning around
Usually remember things only specifically studied
Need total quiet to read or study
Like to read realistic stories
Like to write non-fiction
Enjoy copying or tracing pictures and filling in details
Also like to read action stories
Usually rational
Usually do things in a planned orderly way
If you have to answer someone's question, you won't let your peronal feelings get in the way
Good at algebra
Can remember verbal material
Almost never absent minded
Like to tell stories but not act them out
Can think better sitting down
Attentive during long verbal explanations
Prefer well structured assignments over open ended ones
Read for specific details and facts
Skilled at sequencing ideas
Likes to be Organized


Ok, now us Right Brainers, who are the more creative and artistic thinkers:



Prefer rock music
Prefer visual instructions with examples
Good at sports
Good at art
Cat lovers
Enjoy clowning around
Like to read fantasy and mystery stories
Can listen to music or TV while studying
Like to write fiction
Fun to dream about things that will probably never happen
Enjoy making up own drawings and images
Good at geometry
Like organizing things to show relation
Can memorize music
Occasionally absentminded
Like to act out stories
Enjoy interacting affectively with others
Think better when lying down
Become restless during long verbal explanations
Enjoy creative storytelling
Prefer to learn through free exploration
Read for main details
Skilled in showing relationships between ideas
Preference for summarizing over outlining
Solve problems intuitively
Very Spontaneous and unpredictable
Dreamer
philosophical


STILL CONFUSED ON WHICH ONE YOU ARE? TAKE THE FOLLOWING TEST TO GET A LITTLE MORE CLARITY:




DOLLHOUSE PRESENTS.......

BEST KEPT SECRET @ BODEGA: NETWORKING AT ITS BEST!
THURSDAY, MARCH 26TH @ 8PM
BODEGA
1854 COVENTRY RD
CLEVELAND HTS, OHIO

Come join the Dollhouse and the Cleveland Area Black Professionals for a night of mingling, networking, wining, dining and relaxation after a long day of work. Taking networking to another level, Dollhouse wants YOU to just come out and have a good time while meeting with old AND new faces.....So come find out who Dollhouse is and why WE WANT YOU to come and NETWORK!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

The Watchmen: Better Than an All-Male Review

Over the past weekend I had a chance to go see the new superhero effort "The Watchmen." I didn't know anything about the novel or comic, but it seemed like it was kind of a big deal. Being a lover of action films I was ready to be on the edge of my seat, and it certainly didn't disappoint (ok we know I wasn't literally on the edge, but movie reviews require such jargon).

The film places superheroes in real-life historical settings like the Vietnam war, the assassination of JFK and more. In the lengthy opening sequence we get to see the rise and fall of the superheroes that got America through the WWII era. All of this leads up to the eighties where the movie is set and there's a new crop of heroes. Rorschach, the masked character, leads the movie with his narrative of diary entries, but throughout the film each hero's life is carefully examined.

On to the important stuff. There's a few things I really want you to know about this movie, and don't worry, I'm not giving anything away. It is nearly 3 hours long! So, if you still haven't recovered from sitting through Benjamin Buttons, I'd mentally and physically prepare myself beforehand. I didn't remember how long it was until I had been sitting there for about 20 min. and, lucky for me, I have some patience. Also, this movie is rated "R" and it definitely should be. Trust me. There is enough nudity to fill the pages of a dirty magazine, especially Playgirl (yay!). You know that blue dude in the movie? Yea, well apparently no one seems to mind his "special purpose" is blowing around throughout the film. The amount of male nudity was sometimes a distraction, and I was sitting there hoping nobody was watching me watch the screen. But hey, I didn't want to miss anything! There's blood and gore similar to that of a Quentin Tarantino or Robert Rodriguez flick (think Sin City without the color effects), and this should come as no surprise since it's from the same director who made "300," which I believe Rodriguez worked on as well. Basically, If you're expecting to see something like heroes being all benevolent and good-natured saving kittens from trees, you won't find that here.

This movie is definitely worth checking out. The cinematography is amazing and its truly unlike any superhero movie I've ever seen. At times I felt the story itself went on forever and ever, but there was plenty of action and surprises to keep me in the story. The movie really delivers great moments as opposed to a whole piece. Ultimately, the film's overall message was really unique for a movie of its kind. Go see it, just don't bring the little ones. You will definitely look like a terrible person.
by Ciara

Friday, March 6, 2009

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"The Ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand in times of challenge and controversy."
-Martin Luther King Jr.

By Monisa

Thursday, March 5, 2009

You Can Have Your Skinny Jeans and Your Knots, Too!

"I like guys who wear tight (nay, fitted) jeans and v-necks
down to here."


There. I said it. And it's true. I really do. To young men who wear fitted jeans and tight t-shirts everywhere; I stand up in support of you.


Lately it seems you have been under pressure by your brethren to loosen up a bit, if you will, not just your clothing but your attitude. You're deemed as conceited, too trendy and, dare I say it...soft. That is not your fault. You can't help it that you have the man hips to fit in those jeans. Or that you have the chiseled chest just good enough to wear a shirt cut lower than any woman ever would dare. Some people have it, others don't. Simply put. But you, my men friends, certainly have it.


Not only are you permitted to galavant around in clothing that rivals a women's size 0, because you have the figure, you also can because you have the attitude that comes along with it. Men who wear small clothes are in good shape. Everyone knows this. They could easily pick a fight with another man and ruin his entire life. Instead, they choose to let their physical strength, visible through their clothes, speak for itself and never fight. Besides, they might rip a seam.

And as for a man's masculinity being called in to question because of his fashion choices? Low blow! A man who can wear look like he's wearing my pants is secure enough in his manhood to do so. He keeps up with fashion because he can. And in 2010 (or 2012 in Cleveland) if men begin wearing crew necks and loose fit jeans, if the man no longer wants to walk on the straight and narrow denim-cut path, he will stop. For now, though, I see nothing wrong with a man in little pants.

However.....If your jeans look like this...

...You deserve every bit of bad that comes into your life.





But...this is fair game (the cut is what I want you to pay close attention to)...

Thank you.

by Ciara










Wednesday, March 4, 2009

WHAT DO YOU THINK.....?


VS.




SO WHAT DO YOU THINK? "TEENY BOPPERS W/MAD DRAMA" BALDWIN HILLS OR "MATURE FUN W/ HE SAY/SHE SAY" HARLEM HEIGHTS????
TUNE IN TO BALDWIN HILLS EVERY TUESDAY ON BET @ 10PM AND HARLEM HEIGHTS ON MONDAYS @10PM......AND LET THE DOLLS KNOW HOW YOU REALLY FEEL ABOUT THESE "REALITY SHOWS"

MARCH IS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH BEGAN IN 1978 IN SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. IN 1981, SENATOR ORRIN HATCH (R-UTAH) AND REP. BARBARA MIKULSKI (D-MD) CAME TOGETHER, HELPING WITH THE PROCLAMATION OF NATIONAL WOMEN'S HISTORY WEEK, THE WEEK INCLUDING MARCH 8TH. BY 1987, CONGRESS DECLARED MARCH AS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH!
By Monisa
Information found at:




Monday, March 2, 2009

YBM LAUNCH PARTY THIS FRIDAY @ NEXT


COME CHECK OUT DOLLHOUSE'S CLEVELANDER OF THE MONTH, PAUL SADLER JR, IN ACTION @ NEXT ON NORTHFIELD RD, THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 6TH 9-11PM......


COME AND ENJOY DRINKS, FASHION AND FUN TIMES FROM ONE OF THE HOTTEST DESIGNERS IN THE AREA! COME HANG WITH THE COOLEST KIDS IN THE CITY!





By Monisa

Clevelander of the Month: March






Well, the moment that you all have been waiting for.......

THE CLEVELANDER OF THE MONTH IS.......PAUL SADLER JR!
As a Clevelander, when you first hear YBM, what do you think of? Hot? Fashionable? Making moves? All of the cool kids wear it? Maybe all of the above. No matter what you think of when you hear or see YBM, if you don’t live under a rock, then you know that YBM may just be one of the hottest clothing lines in the area, and if you don’t think so, just ask Day 26. Yea, that’s how hot it really is.

YBM, Young Business Men, was started by Cleveland’s own Paul Sadler Jr., while he was away in college at Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN. Along with some of his college friends, Sadler began the business with customized sneakers. Branching off from the sneakers, these young fellas decided to make shirts to match their shoes and Sadler tagged the name Young Business Men to it, not knowing that this name was going to take him a lot farther than what he expected. The shirts ended up taking off more so than the shoes, so they took the apparel idea and ran with it.

YBM is unique in its own way, making it a stand out from other local designers. Its creative hand painted style is a mixture of Brazilian Tribal art and Australian art. According to Sadler, “YBM is a mixture of different art designs; it will always be around because it is an art form, not a trend and not a fad.”

A businessman since the age of 5yrs old, Paul Sadler has sold newspapers in New York, worked for the Sun Press in Cleveland, started a candy store in Tennessee, managed Sunoco gas stations, has sold books with his father and currently is into real estate and in the process of opening a juice bar on the west side of Cleveland. Very goal oriented and focused, Sadler has been blessed to learn the game that we all know as entrepreneurship, at an early age, leading to his current success.

When asked about his favorite and least favorite current trends, Sadler named his top 3 favorites as the fitted (not tight) look that a lot of young men are rocking now, sneakers and the new colorful trends that are taking over the runways. As for his least favorite, this “Hater of the Month” had many styles/trends that he strongly disliked, and in the following order: 1) Sunglasses at night/in the club 2) Leggings (depending on how and where you wear them…and NOT in church ladies!) 3) male scarves 4) Mismatch outfits (how can someone say that they are expressing themselves when they never expressed themselves before?) and last but definitely not least 5) Sagging tight pants.

So what does it take to get to this level of success? “No cheating the game when it comes to business,” he says. Have a plan, stick to the plan and have capital.” Sadler explains that to make it, you have to have goals and not just dreams. “A goal is taking your dreams to the next level.” His formula for making it in the business world is as follows: Take your dream, set your goal, make the goal a plan, take the plan, get your capital, open up the business and create revenue. In the midst of building your goals, remember that you always have to be ready to fail. He states that many people cannot deal with a “No.”

Even though Paul Sadler has been blessed with many resources, his hard work didn’t pay off overnight. He emphasizes how important it is to use ALL of your resources. Even to this day, Paul is pulling every name out of the book. His sister, Z107.9’s own Bijou Star connected him with Day 26 and a good friend helped him with his appearance on MTV’s Sweet Sixteen as well, which led to opportunities with BET. Paul, after being turned down 3 times from Next’s manager, is finally making his way to the Next Clothing stores, making his debut on Friday March 6th.

With a team of about 5 people in Cleveland, but 20 altogether, YBM is definitely making its way to the top. With representation in major cities like, Charlotte, LA, Chicago, Nashville and Atlanta, YBM may be that name that Cleveland needs to gain back its credibility.

“It’s a truthful line, its one of a kind.” Custom made, wearable art, that’s going to be a collector’s art” and that’s from Paul himself.

You heard it first ladies and gents….so go and cop some YBM, rock it proud, rock it first and be one of the coolest kids in the city.
By Monisa